Nov 13, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

United States mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow following talks in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, the American envoys emphasized the necessity of including European representatives in future negotiations to help secure a lasting settlement.

President Putin did not dismiss European involvement in potential talks but reiterated Russia's maximalist position on territorial boundaries. He insisted that any future border must align with Russia's constitutional claims, which encompass Crimea alongside four partially occupied regions in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin officials described the discussions with the US envoys as constructive, while American negotiators prepared to meet next with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue shuttle diplomacy.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

A joint cyber operation by Ukrainian and Belarusian groups successfully breached Russia's official statistical agency, Rosstat, exposing data that allegedly records 412,576 Russian military deaths in Ukraine. The leak surfaced as American mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff concluded two days of talks in Abu Dhabi with Russian and Ukrainian officials to build a new framework for peace negotiations.

Following the sessions, U.S. representatives are scheduled to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin. Ukrainian Chief Negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed parallel sessions took place with delegates from NATO, the European Commission, and the E4 group. Separately, Italian officials disclosed that future assistance to Ukraine will strictly comprise defensive supplies and energy generators, withholding further Samp/T air defense missiles amid rising costs in Rome's F-35 fighter jet program.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica

Leaked Russian registry records obtained by foreign analysts indicate that approximately 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine since February 2022. Analysis of the data by Janis Kluge from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs reveals combat fatalities exceeded 15,000 monthly during late 2024 and early 2025.

Reports continue to highlight controversial Russian military recruitment methods, including the enlistment of individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses. Simultaneously, European counter-intelligence agencies remain on alert for Russian hybrid operations. In Latvia, security forces recently raided a property near Riga to apprehend suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs.

Internal criticism of the conflict has also resurfaced from former military personnel. Retired Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov publicly condemned President Vladimir Putin during an online stream, asserting that Russia has lost the war and demanding an immediate cessation of military actions.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Italian authorities are investigating a wave of coordinated email bomb threats directed at educational institutions across the country, prompting widespread evacuations and class disruptions. Initial estimates indicated over 300 schools were targeted, though updated ministry figures reported up to 6,000 institutions received the messages.

The emails warned of remotely detonated explosives, used violent language targeting students, and contained direct threats against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Security officials noted the individual claiming responsibility had previously sent similar hoaxes targeting public infrastructure and media outlets in Bulgaria, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

In response to the disruption, the Italian government convened an urgent meeting to evaluate the incident within the broader context of escalating European hybrid warfare threats.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă, HotNews, Adevărul, Canarias7, Il Messaggero

Ahead of scheduled bilateral negotiations, Russian and Ukrainian forces executed reciprocal strikes targeting energy assets. Ukraine launched a military attack against a major Russian oil refinery, while Russian forces initiated strikes against Ukraine's electrical energy grid.

In parallel developments following recent U.S. midterm elections, maritime trade routes for Russian fuel exports continue to adjust. The Maltese-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes, carrying approximately 40,000 tons of Russian diesel, altered its course away from North American destinations alongside several other vessels.

Concurrently, commercial districts across Western Europe continue to adapt to ongoing weekend demonstrations led by student groups. Local retail managers, including luxury store operator Kayhan Erturen who noted that "it's the new normal", are boarding storefronts on Friday evenings to limit property damage before restoring operations each Monday.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha